Firmenich Inaugurates New State-Of-The-Art Research Facility In China

19 Sep 2012 --- Firmenich has announced the inauguration of its new state-of-the art Research and Development (R&D) facility in Shanghai, China. This new cutting edge building will integrate laboratories cutting across the Group’s leading scientific disciplines, including the discovery and development of ingredients, as well as technologies to improve fragrance and flavor performance, perception and delivery. Its scientists will be dedicated to expanding the Group’s innovation pipeline to best meet the needs of its clients in China and the extended Asia Pacific region as well as to contribute to the Group’s global innovation programs. 

 

“Following the success of our first R&D facility in China in 2006, we decided to step up our innovation foothold here to further accelerate and expand our development pipeline”, said Patrick Firmenich, CEO. “Our teams here are dedicated to developing cutting edge ingredients and technologies that are fully aligned on the specific needs of our clients in China and the Asia Pacific region”, he emphasized. “By deepening our understanding of the innovation needs in these markets, we are committed to supporting our clients’ growth in this dynamic region”, he added. “We also expect this strengthened innovation hub to be a dynamic contributor to our global programs”, he concluded. 

 

“Today’s investment in this new state-of-the-art Research facility in China marks the Group’s determination to position itself strongly as an innovation leader and partner of choice for our clients across Asia as well as to fully harness the R&D capabilities present here to fuel global innovation programs” stated Dr. Dong Fang Chen, President China, Firmenich. “China has over two thousand years of rich heritage in flavors and fragrances. By expanding our R&D strength here, we are committed to understanding the diverse tastes and needs of Chinese consumers in order to design and create products that will delight them”, added Dr. Dong Fang Chen. 

 

This R&D building represents the Company’s third critical innovation hub worldwide and works closely with the Group’s other centers in Europe (Geneva, Switzerland) and in North America (Princeton, New Jersey). Also its scientists collaborate extensively with the Group’s external innovation partners, including start-ups and leading academic institutions. 

 

Consistent with Company’s commitment and leadership in sustainability, this new facility received the LEED Silver sustainability certification including strict criteria concerning water use, air ventilation, energy and waste management.